Tena Tena Camp

An original tented Luangwa bush camp located in the game-rich Nsefu region of the park.

The original Robin Pope camp with a stellar reputation and host of superb guides, the emphasis at Tena Tena is about outstanding, private and authentic safari experiences every time

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Tena Tena Camp

An icon of Robin Pope Safaris, Tena Tena was the first camp Robin Pope himself opened and ran in the early 1990s. Over the years the camp has had a rather stylish facelift and relocated a few kilometres downstream to a shady spot on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River, but really, not much else has changed. The focus is still on expert guiding, flexible activities and fantastic game viewing. These days, the camp has a devout following of loyal safari enthusiasts and quite rightly so – relaxed and authentic, Tena is the real deal.

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From $880 person/night

Camp

6 Tents

South Luangwa, Zambia

What you'll love

The delicious views from the bedrooms and the main area. All overlook a grassy bank of the Luangwa River and the ever-present hippos.

Insiders tip

If you’re staying in September, make sure to visit the carmine bee-eater colony and watch the sky turn red as thousands of the colourful little birds come in to roost.

Something to think about

Temperatures in the Luangwa can rocker to over 40-degrees in October and there are no fans in the rooms here.

The property

Moulded around a grand mahogany tree, the main area is shaded by a funky canvas roof balanced on gnarled leadwood stilts. Underneath are several seating areas and a comfy lowered sofa right next to the river, with unbeatable views of of the hippo grunting contentedly below. There’s also a little dining area to the side with the same wonderful views. Meals here are a social affair here and the day’s activities are animatedly discussed over some seriously good food.

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The rooms

Draped in rich Persian cottons, hand-sewn cushions and finished with a sweeping canvas roof, the 5 tents feel rather Bedouin-esque and are the perfect place to retire to after a long, dusty day. Bathrooms are open air and come complete with all required amenities, including a few extra tree frogs if you’re lucky. During the day, request for the front of your tent to be rolled up and watch antelope darting around on the opposite bank, straight from your room.

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Activities

Cultural

Game Drives

Walking safari

Night Drives

Show all activities

Days at Tena Tena are all about the wildlife – and there’s lots of it! Game drives are in open-top Land Cruisers and explore the Nsefu Sector where the camp is located or the main section of the park via boat access (but we guarantee you won’t want to leave the exclusive Nsefu region once you’ve discovered it!). Walking is also a key part of any stay at Tena and the guides are knowledgeable, inspiring and very passionate.

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Positive impact

Tena Tena Camp is owned by Robin Pope Safaris, and committed to responsible tourism that benefits the environment, wildlife conservation, and local communities. They employ green technology, support anti-poaching efforts, provide healthcare and education, and promote local trade. Staff are treated fairly, trained extensively, and encouraged to advance. Their operations aim to protect ecosystems and alleviate poverty through sustainable practices.

A contribution of $10 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.

Reviews

Sandy Mendel

6 months ago

Another excellent and beautiful Robin Pope camp. Well managed and comfortably casual. The food was excellent and the staff was very attentive.

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5 out of 5 stars

About South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa

The home of the walking-safari, chic yet rustic bush camps and incredible guides.

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Wildlife in South Luangwa National Park

Elephant

Abundant

Giraffe

Occasional

Hippo

Abundant

Black Rhino

None

White Rhino

None

Lion

Abundant

Cheetah

None

Leopard

Abundant

Hyena

Occasional

Wildebeest

Occasional

Buffalo

Abundant

Zebra

Abundant

Warthog

Abundant

Wild Dog

Occasional

Meerkat

None

Show all wildlife

South Luangwa National Park has the deserved reputation as one of Africa's best game viewing destinations. A diverse mix of habitats and oxbow lagoons attract a variety of wildlife species. Encounter vast herds of elephant, buffalo, hippo, zebra and an assortment of antelope. However, it is the predators of South Luangwa that produce the most excitement with lion and leopard in abundance and wild dog present in the area.

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